Transmigration: The Evil Mother-In-Law Is Actually Innocent!-Chapter 771 Suspicion_1

Zhou Shuren really enjoyed bringing up his youngest son, as it helped build the boy’s presence. Whether it was the Emperor or the Crown Prince remembering his son’s name, it would always be beneficial for the child’s future.

The Emperor had a fondness for the children he had named, and considering that loyalty represented the Zhou family’s dedication, he wouldn’t have given the Jade Pendant otherwise, smiling warmly, "Your son here sure doesn’t resemble you physically; he seems quite robust to me."

Zhou Shuren responded with a hint of pride in his voice, "That’s because I’ve taken great care in raising my son since he was born, especially nurturing him with meticulous attention."

He truly possessed knowledge on the matter, having firsthand experience in fatherhood, which taught him how to care for children.

The Emperor was quite surprised, never anticipating Zhou Shuren’s fondness for children, as his attention had always been on Zhou Shuren’s role in government affairs. The only other aspect he vividly remembered was Zhou Shuren’s remarkably good relationship with his wife.

Ning Xu was losing interest in listening, as the more he heard Zhou Shuren boast about his son, "Emperor, the dishes are ready, we can serve the meal now."

The Emperor was getting hungry too, "Alright."

The Crown Prince habitually felt for his Jade Pendant and, as he was about to reach for it, remembered that his father had just given it away. Now, without Zhou Shuren needing to mention his son any further, he certainly remembered him.

In Zhou family village, at the Clan Leader’s house, Clan Leader Zhou was sitting in a rocking chair in the courtyard, listening to his eldest son speak. He knew why Zhou Changli and Chang Zhi had returned, but his thoughts lingered on Chang Zhi, a man who had married a Magistrate and hadn’t returned for many years.

As they were speaking, Changli and Chang Zhi entered the courtyard. Changli greeted with a smile, "Clan Leader, how have you been lately?"

The Clan Leader promptly sat up, "Good, I’ve been well, come and have a seat."

Chang Zhi paid his respects, "Clan Leader, how do you do?"

Clan Leader Zhou glanced at Chang Zhi, his recollections of him rather hazy. Back in his village days, all he knew was that the boy was good at studying and didn’t play with the other children, a rare sight. Now, observing him closely, the Clan Leader noted that Chang Zhi had grown into a fine figure of a man, exuding the aura of a seasoned scion of officials, "Good, good, after so many years, I would hardly have recognized you."

Chang Zhi replied, "I’ve matured quite a bit, having married and fathered children; you haven’t changed a bit over the years."

The Clan Leader chuckled, "I’ve aged and no longer visit the clan school as frequently as before; I don’t really feel like moving around much these days."

When the tea arrived, Clan Leader Zhou gestured for them to drink, "This is a new batch of tea we bought; it may not compare to what you have at home, but it’s still decent enough to drink."

Changli said, "Look at you, Clan Leader, talking like that. We aren’t particular about these things; any tea I can drink is good tea to me."

Chang Zhi glanced sideways at his brother; the Changli of old would hardly have spoken so smoothly. It seems true that the outside world could shape a person. He thought to himself that he should spend more time with his elder and second brothers outside.

Clan Leader Zhou, in good spirits, said, "Speaking of which, this old man hasn’t seen your father for many years. How does he fare in the capital?"

Chang Zhi responded, "When we left, my father hadn’t taken office yet, and the Chang family’s foundation in the capital is still quite weak; we will need to build it up slowly."

Changli chimed in, "My father is in good health, and all is well at home. You need not worry about my father; he has everything under control."

Clan Leader Zhou wasn’t genuinely worried about Zhou Shuren; the fact that Zhou Shuren had reached his current position proved his capability. He was merely curious to know more, as Zhou Shuren’s well-being was key to the entire Zhou clan’s prosperity, and the Zhou descendants counted on his support.

Then Clan Leader Zhou said, "Let’s go have a look at the clan school. It has changed quite a lot recently. In the last few years, children with talent in our clan have been studying there. You should see for yourselves."

The brothers exchanged a glance, aware that the Clan Leader wanted them to recognize faces. Together they agreed, "Alright."

In the capital, Zhulan returned home with her son. Leading him inside, she removed his Jade Pendant, "I’ll keep this pendant safe for you until you’re older and then I’ll give it back to you."

Chang Xhong covered the pendant with his chubby hands, "No, no want, daddy said he would keep it for me, I even asked daddy and he wouldn’t give it to me."

Zhulan paused, "Your father said he would keep what for you?"

Chang Xhong pouted, "The Silver in the purse, daddy is keeping it for me."

Zhulan narrowed her eyes, unaware of this matter. As she came back to herself, the little rascal had quickly scampered off. She stood still, "That boy is really good at deflecting attention."

Song Granny, all smiles, saw how clever the young master was, "The little master holds the Jade Pendant very dear, he surely won’t damage it."

She knew the young master well; the more he cherished something, the more likely he was to keep it safe rather than show it off.

Zhulan, worried the Jade Pendant might break, instructed, "You go check on him; if he has put it away, leave it, but if not, let me know."

"Yes."

The assistant steward, Steward Wang, entered. "Mistress, here’s the invitation that has just been delivered."

"Good, leave it here."

Steward Wang was in charge of the capital’s Chang household affairs, and after the Zhou family moved to the capital, Steward Wang became the assistant steward, managing the front court.

Zhulan picked up the invitation; it was from the Hou Residence. This time it was from Mrs. Hou, but Lady Bai’s own child had just become a fool—how could she still be in the mood to hold a banquet?

Zhulan fell into deep thought. Hearing footsteps, she saw Granny Song return. Granny Song reported, "The young master has put away the Jade Pendant."

"That’s good. This is from the Hou Residence."

Granny Song asked, "Will you be attending?"

Zhulan considered for a moment, "Yes."

Granny Song knew very well that the mistress would go by herself, so she did not need to offer further assistance.

In the afternoon, as Zhulan rested, she felt a source of warmth beside her. She opened her eyes to find Zhou Shuren lying next to her. She hadn’t even realized he’d returned.

Zhulan carefully got up, and Zhou Shuren opened his eyes. "You weren’t sleeping?"

Zhou Shuren said, "I just got back myself and was resting my eyes."

Zhulan sat up, leaning on a pillow. "Weren’t you out for tea? How did you run into the Emperor?"

Zhou Shuren sighed, "I indeed went out for tea, hoping to return early, but then I ran into the Emperor. The Emperor had an appointment with Marquis Ning, and I just happened to be included."

Zhulan said, "The Emperor really trusts you. That was the Crown Prince with him, right? I remember the Crown Prince was grounded."

"Yes, indeed, he trusts me. Rongchuan’s endorsement and my measured approach have both earned me favor."

Zhulan chuckled softly, "This was also a test to see if you would be indiscreet."

Zhou Shuren spoke somberly, "That’s why, after the Emperor and the Crown Prince left, I returned home without going anywhere else."

Zhulan whispered, "An emperor’s heart is always filled with suspicion."

Zhou Shuren hummed in agreement, "Don’t you want to lie down a bit longer?"

"No need, I’ve rested a bit, but sleeping too much gives me a headache. Oh right, the Hou Residence sent over an invitation; I’m planning to take a look."

Zhou Shuren said, "It’s good to go take a look."

Zhulan extended her hand, "Today our son told me you were keeping something safe for him?"

Zhou Shuren’s mouth twitched, "Has the lad sold me out?"

"Yes, sold you out completely."

Zhulan talked about the Jade Pendant matter.

Zhou Shuren was silent, thinking that the boy still harbored anger towards him. Moreover, his son was truly intelligent, knowing full well that selling him meant no more Silver, yet he understood that the Jade Pendant was more valuable than Silver.

Inside the Palace, the Emperor had returned to his quarters, and Eunuch Liu was already waiting. "Emperor, news just arrived: the fifth prince did not meet with anyone, and he has received another letter."

The Emperor looked at the letter on the table—it was a copy. He picked it up and quickly glanced through it, "This is a test of trust; have someone keep a close watch."